BAD KREUZNACH, Germany (Dec. 29, 2014) — Group Michelin has secured a 753,000-sq.-ft. plot adjacent to its existing tire plant in Bad Kreuznach for an expansion of as-yet undisclosed dimension.
Michelin is paying “millions” for the plot, which is part of the “Marshall Kaserne,” a remnant of the U.S. military presence in Germany, according to a report from the city's economic and regulatory department.
“We are delighted that we have managed to motivate a global company like Michelin to invest millions in the site,...” said Udo Bausch, head of the economic and regulatory department.
Several published reports in the German media indicated Michelin might add production for the firm's “Self-seal” puncture-sealant tires, which were previewed at the recent Challenge Bibendum event in China.
Michelin's plant in Bad Kreuznach covers 2.9 million square feet and employs 1,500. The acquired plot would represent an expansion of roughly one-fourth in size.
The plant is dedicated to premium products. The plant opened in 1970; in the mid-2000s Michelin installed more than 800,000 square feet of solar panels on the roof of the factory.